In Memory

Henry D. Froneberger

Henry Daniel Froneberger, Jr., Esq. We are heartbroken at the passing of our beloved brother, father and husband, Henry Daniel Froneberger, Jr., Esq., on January 5, 2018, at home surrounded by family and friends. He was recently diagnosed with a rare and aggressive prostate cancer caused by Agent Orange. Born in 1946, he was raised in Gastonia, NC. In 1967, he was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam in 1968-69. Upon returning from combat, he joined Vietnam Veterans against the War, continued his education at GWU and started his career as an attorney for the Dept. of the Interior. Henry came to San Francisco in the early 1970s and in 1983 married the love of his life, Liz Froneberger. In 1990 he joined John Burroughs in Pt. Reyes Station, where he practiced for 16 years. In 2006 Henry moved his firm to San Rafael, gained a new partner, and retired in June 2017 when he received his diagnosis. With the birth of their sons, Jacob and Eli, Henry became involved in Little League and soccer, coaching many teams over the years. As their sons grew, their home became a hub and sometimes a second home for teenagers. In the last months of Henry's life, he was astonished by the calls, visits and letters he received from these now grown friends. He was touched and humbled by their love, support and concern for his welfare. Henry also maintained strong ties in Gastonia and was a proud member of the Gastonia branch of the Liars' Club. 

Henry's abiding belief was that everyone deserved dignity and respect. He felt that everyone had a responsibility to vote, give back to community and create opportunities for those less fortunate. His concern for our democratic ideals was foremost in his final days as he lamented the decline of civil and informed discourse. He died hoping that all he had worked and fought for safe communities, fair treatment under the law for all, a sustainable environment, free speech, clean elections would not be dismantled in the current political atmosphere. Henry was a southern gentleman of the best sort dedicated to family, he was kind, soft-spoken, with a good sense of humor and the best poker face possible. His quiet nature belied his skills in court, often surprising the opposition. He is survived by four sisters and many nieces, nephews and their families. He leaves behind his two sons, Jacob (Mariah) and Eli, his wife of 34 years, Liz, and an incredible network of friends. Liz, Jacob and Eli thank everyone who helped carry them through these last difficult months; the San Gabriel Angels, the Liars' Club, the Senators and many other friends and family members. We also thank the Kaiser Oncology staff for their competent and compassionate care. There will be a Celebration of Life on January 20th at the Corte Madera Rec Center at 1:00pm. If you like, please bring a written story or memory of Henry. If you wish to give a contribution, we suggest Swords to Plowshares.

Published in Marin Independent Journal on Jan. 14, 2018



 
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01/10/18 12:51 PM #1    

Dennis Cloninger

Sure sorry to hear this. Henry was one of the good guys.

 


01/11/18 01:10 PM #2    

Beverly Norris (Rupp)

A man of good character, a veteran and an old time friend from Victory School as well as Ashley. I did not know he woud go so fast. Ironically, I went to Mass Saturday night after he died and said prayers for him and the Mass was right beside his old home on Jackson Road....Beverly Norris  Rupp


01/11/18 01:49 PM #3    

Walter Vaughan Davidson Jr

henry was a cool guy and a fellow veteran - vaughan davidson

 


01/11/18 01:58 PM #4    

Virginia Ann Beam (Harrison)

So sad when my sister called and told me Saturday. Henry was one of the good guys! One of my favorite Victory friends. His sister, Rocky and my sister, Teddy have been good friends since Victory, too. When Henry and I were around 11-12 our sisters would take us to Charlotte to The Open Kitchen with them; if we would ask our daddies for the car keys and money!! Lots of other great memories of him and his kindness. He will be truly missed. Rest in peace, dear friend. 


01/11/18 02:26 PM #5    

Carolyn Jean Elliott (Lingerfelt)

So sorry to hear of Henry's passing. He was one of my favorite friends from old Victory School. We were in the same classes most of those years. Rest in peace, Henry. Prayers for his family.


01/12/18 08:53 AM #6    

Linda Sue Weaver (Muse)

I remember Henry fondly from Ashley and going to church together as kids.  He was a very special person. He will be missed here and honored in heaven. 


01/12/18 11:16 AM #7    

Martha McPhail

Henry fought hard against an aggressive cancer. We texted often these past months, and kept up through the years. He cherished his friendships with Gastonia friends, returning home often to visit family and friends from our class and class of '63. We met in kindergarten at age 5, continued through Victory and Ashley, then I would see him on visits to San Francisco. He and Liz were season ticket holders of the Giants, he loved baseball. Henry was a wonderful guy, a beloved lifelong friend, who fought for others in his law practice. He will be missed indeed! 


01/13/18 02:38 PM #8    

Kris Brunnemer (Cooke)

So very sorry about Henry's death - has made me so sad.  Henry and I have known each other since Sunday School at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.  We then went to Victory and Ashley together.  He was such a nice guy - we were always special friends.  We lost touch after he moved to California.  So thankful we reconnected at our 50th Reunion.  It was wonderful to meet his wife, Liz.  I could tell they were very happy together.  Henry and I texted during his illness.  He never complained.  A wonderful guy!  Rest In Peace, my friend.  

 


01/15/18 06:37 AM #9    

Steven Dane Wallace

Really sad news. As many have said, Henry was one of the good guys.  So glad I spent some time with him at the 50.


01/15/18 09:43 AM #10    

Robert Preston Caldwell

I first met Henry at Ham's in G'town, just down from Ashley. My best friend Zammiello and I would go there for a greasy sandwich and Cheerwine almost every day at lunch. Henry worked there as a part time butcher while the rest of us were goofing off. We affectionately called him by his nickname "Meat Man." I'm happy that he grew up as an activist for social justice and appreciate his service.

 

 


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